Reasons for barking dogs

If you are a member of local community groups more than often you find a post or two where neighbours are complaining about dogs barking all night long.

Sometimes the dogs bark at every little thing during the day too.

What I’ve found is that when the question arises, asking what to do to curb ongoing barking, not many people have suggestions that will help the barking dog.

So the fact of the matter is that some breeds do bark more than others but it’s not the only factor. Sometimes the most laid back breeds will bark too. My point is that when your dog barks a lot – you need to take the time to assess the reasons why he or she is barking.

We have to remember that barking is one type of vocal communication that dogs use, and it can mean different things depending on the situation. Here are some reasons why dogs bark:

Territorial/Protective: When a person or an animal comes into an area your dog considers his territory that often triggers excessive barking. As the threat gets closer, the barking often gets louder. Your dog will look alert and even aggressive during this type of barking.

Alarm/Fear: Some dogs bark at any noise or object that catches their attention or startles them. This can happen anywhere, not just in their home territory.

Boredom/Loneliness: Dogs left alone for long periods, whether in the house or in the yard, can become bored or sad and often will bark because they are unhappy.

Greeting/Play: Dogs often bark when greeting people or other animals. It’s usually a happy bark, accompanied with tail wags and sometimes jumping.

Attention Seeking: Dogs often bark when they want something, such as going outside, playing, or getting a treat.

Separation Anxiety/Compulsive Barking: Dogs with separation anxiety often bark excessively when left alone. They also usually exhibit other symptoms as well, such as pacing, destructiveness, depression, and inappropriate elimination. Compulsive barkers seem to bark just to hear the sound of their voices. They also often make repetitive movements as well, such as running in circles or along a fence.

Here’s how to help the barkers:

Getting your dog to bark less will take time, work, practice, and consistency. It won’t happen overnight, but with proper techniques and patience, you can see progress.

Shouting stimulates your dog to bark more because he thinks you’re joining in. So the first rule is to speak calmly and firmly, but don’t yell.

Most dogs don’t know what you want when you’re yelling at them to “shut up.” So train your dog to understand the word “Quiet!”

* To stop a dog from going into a barking frenzy every time you come home or the doorbell rings, you’ll need to teach him to do something else. One way is to train your dog to go to a spot and stay there when the door opens. It’s best if they can see the door, but not be too close to it. Pick a spot and practice getting your dog to go there and stay, but don’t touch the door yet. Use lots of treats and praise, making it a game.

Once your pet is doing this reliably, start opening the door while he’s in his spot.

Once you can open the door and your dog will stay in his spot, have someone actually come in the door. Of course your dog will break from the spot at first, but with time and practice, he’ll learn to stay in his spot when the door opens and guests come in.

* If your dog is barking to get your attention, it’s best, at night, to be calm and to redirect their attention, then to give them positive attention when they don’t react. Some behaviourists say that ignoring them is best when they’re behaving badly and acknowledging them calmly and quietly when they’ve stopped. This isn’t really going to help your neighbours though. Especially at night.

Some quality time, or perhaps some fun training sessions can help you in giving positive attention, and will help your dog along the way to learning good manners.

Never reward barking. If your dog barks when he wants water, and you fill the dish, you’ve taught him to bark to get what he wants. If he barks to go outside, it’s the same. So teach him to ring a bell you tied to the door handle to go out. Bang the water dish before filling it, and maybe he’ll start pushing it with his nose to make the same noise. Find ways for your dog to communicate without barking.

If he barks and you see his dish is empty, wait a few minutes, go do something else, then fill it, so he won’t know his barking was effective.

Remember not to scold your pet. For a dog, that’s still considered attention. The key is to ignore your dog and what he wants, until he stops barking.

* Dogs that bark out of boredom or frustration generally don’t have enough physical or mental stimulation. Helping them can be as simple as ensuring they get regular exercise and a fun play session with you. Dogs enjoy a variety of toys so why not try something new every now and again or try to teach your dog a new trick. Think about it. It can be fun for both of you. Do a little extra research on the breed of dog you have. This info can inspire your new toys or games you play together.

Perhaps you could introduce a treat dispensing toy for the days when you are busier. Just be sure to check that it is the right size and material for your dog.

* Separation anxiety barking, whining or howling most often occurs when guardians aren’t home. These dogs need help with their coping skills when left alone. To help ease this type of barking. Try to let your dog spend short periods of time both inside and outside alone while you’re home. The main point is to help them feel positive about being alone. So introducing treats at times that your dog is going to be alone is a positive step. Perhaps fill some hooves with peanut butter and store them in the fridge. On hot days give your dog a treat when you go out. From a communication perspective, try to remain as calm as possible and tell yourself that your dog will be fine. This little exercise will help you and them!

Separation anxiety can be treated medically or via a homeopathic route so do ask your vet for your options.

* Dogs that bark at your boundary wall are generally distracted by noises such as a neighbour, a person walking past the house, etc., and they can continue their barking well after the distraction has gone.

This type of bark shouldn’t be ignored – instead distract your dog. If you know your dog’s going to react, interrupt them by saying their name and calling them to you. When your dog responds before barking, give him a few treats. This way they get a reward for not reacting. So when you aren’t home they will react less to the postman or other daily passers-by.

Because this type of barking is often motivated by fear or a perceived threat to their territory or people, it can be lessened by limiting what your dog sees. If he’s in a fenced yard, use solid wood instead of chain fencing. Indoors, limit access to windows and doors or cover them with an opaque film.

* There’s an old belief that for security reasons dogs should sleep outside. If they sleep indoors, they tend to behave better and are far better at alerting you to security threats. Not only this, being inside and spending time with you beats boredom, and curbs barking. From a communication perspective they feel your “energy” and know when bed time is. So activities that include barking should cease!

It’s also safer, because dogs left alone outside can face theft, escapes, poisoning, harassment, and other dangers.

Don’t forget to give loads of positive attention for being quiet.

Your neighbour that perhaps complains can become your biggest ally as they can give you clues as to why your dogs are barking while you are not home. So try to make the best of your relationship. Explain to them what you are trying to do – this way you can help your dog’s effectively.

Some medical problems can cause excessive barking, from bee stings to brain disease to ongoing pain. It’s always a good idea to have a pet checked by a veterinarian to be sure there’s no medical reason for a problem.

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